Amazon's proposed biospheres for South Lake Union

By By VANESSA HO

on May 21, 2013 4:13 PM

Amazon describes its proposed South Lake Union biospheres as a "more natural, park-like setting" for employees.

"The generative idea is that a plant-rich environment has many positive qualities that are not often found in a typical office setting," the company said in its design proposal. Or you could just fill them with bubbles and call them the "Bubblelator."

The building would consist of three connected spheres on one of the blocks that Amazon is rebuilding in South Lake Union. They would resemble a greenhouse or conservatory, with plants that can "co-exist in a microclimate" with people, Amazon said.

The building would consist of three connected spheres on one of the blocks that Amazon is rebuilding in South Lake Union. They would resemble a greenhouse or conservatory, with plants that can "co-exist in a ... more

Photo: NBBJ Via Amazon And Seattle Design Review Board

The building would consist of three connected spheres on one of the... Photo-4664353.62956 - seattlepi.com

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The spheres would be up to five stories high and have about 65,000 square feet of space. Here's the spheres next to one of Amazon's planned towers.

The spheres would be up to five stories high and have about 65,000 square feet of space. Here's the spheres next to one of Amazon's planned towers.

Photo: NBBJ Via Amazon, Seattle Design Review Board

The spheres would be up to five stories high and have about 65,000... Photo-4664352.62956 - seattlepi.com

Image 4 of 20

Amazon originally designed this six-story, "rectilinear" yellow building for its biosphere block ("Block 19"). The original building was to be 84,000 square feet, with lots of open green space nearby. This is the view along Seventh Avenue.

Amazon originally designed this six-story, "rectilinear" yellow building for its biosphere block ("Block 19"). The original building was to be 84,000 square feet, with lots of open green space nearby. This is ... more

Photo: NBBJ Via Amazon, Seattle Design Review Board

Amazon originally designed this six-story, "rectilinear"... Photo-4664351.62956 - seattlepi.com

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The biosphere design still calls for open space, with an off-leash dog park and big playing field.

Says Amazon: "The curvilinear form sets it apart from its immediate surroundings, and consciously avoids the look of a typical corporate office building." Or you could just call them giant snow globes.